r/Aspen

I am visiting the Maroon Bells/Snowmass Scenic Wilderness area July 30th, weather and wildfire-permitting, with a Day Visit parking pass (enter before 8AM, depart by 4:30PM).

I am 22 and in good shape planning this trip with my parents (mid-50s). Both are healthy and moderately active, but I have a habit of overshooting when it comes to planning. I would like to spend majority of the morning-afternoon hiking, while also accommodating their fitness level. I was initially thinking Buckskin Pass, but the 2900ft elevation gain would be brutal for my parents. Here is what I am planning:

A: walk Maroon Bells scenic loop (in the morning, before shuttle bus crowds come in), then head up to Crater lake, and spend the late afternoon on the Maroon Creek trail. Our previous visit to Crater Lake was during a rainstorm, so it would be nice to see the lake in different conditions. This would allow for 10ish leisurely miles with moderate elevation gain.

OR

B: Maroon Bells scenic loop, Crater lake, continue past Crater Lake to Minnehaha Gulch on the Buckskin Pass Trail, OR continue on West Maroon Trail to the Upper Maroon Creek Basin... this is where I am a bit confused, as I am not sure what a good turnaround point would be, or what the elevation gain is for either destination(s)? Based on the AllTrails map, elevation gain is pretty steady till the last ~2 miles up to either pass, but I cant tell where Minneheha Gulch/ Maroon Creek Basin are located. I'd like to cap the hike at 2000ft elevation gain so everyone is comfortable- mileage is not an issue

Thank you in advance for all help, there are no wrong answers when you get to spend a day in such a gorgeous place!

Cop coming around saying they’re looking for ppl starting Fires anyone else have this?

Going to be in Aspen next week. Are there any hikes where you can still get a few turns in? Or is everything melted?

Is it dumb to travel from Denver to Aspen for the fourth? How bad are the fires?

Hey I’m trying to go out in Aspen this weekend. Are there any fun lounges and bars I can go to and drink? Anything from fun and vibey to upscale ones? For someone in their late 20’s?

I don’t care to go for a show per se though. Any recommendations?

We are looking for participants for a research study involving non-alcoholic sparkling beverages.
Who can participate?
Age 21 or older
Resident of Aspen Colorado
Purchased non-alcoholic beverages within the past 3 months
Open to trying non-alcoholic wine products
No food or beverage allergies
Own a smartphone with photo capabilities
What will you do?

• Complete a brief screening (3–5 minutes)
• Visit a selected retail or liquor store in your area
• Complete a short mobile survey while shopping
• Take a few photos during your shopping experience
• Purchase one non-alcoholic sparkling beverage product
• Try the product at home
• Complete a follow-up survey about your experience

Compensation
Receive $40 for successfully completing the study requirements.
Referral Bonus
Earn an additional $5 for each person you refer who qualifies and completes the study.

Is the river 1) open for float tubing, and 2) at a high enough level to float down from the Wildwood put-in to the east Aspen bridge take-out? I usually tube on the 4th but not holding my breath it’s feasible with low snowmelt this year.

We got permits months ago for our first ever backpacking trip to Conundrum Hot Springs. Not sure if we should do it due to air quality and shifting conditions but we were really looking forward to it. We’re not in Aspen until tomorrow - does anyone there have any extra insight? Or is anyone else in a similar predicament? We called the ranger station for updates but they just basically said what we already knew (up to us and our tolerance of smoke). TIA!

I was in GSD NP and it was fine there but right now it seems like Maroon Bells is pretty Smokey so was looking for alternatives

https://preview.redd.it/xomqsqv1dqah1.png?width=1024&format=png&auto=webp&s=a1cd9203df0df96cc79796171fe9bc4eb1a1c755

I'm in Aspen, leaving Wednesday, wondering what's going on as no one seems to really know.

Aspen is surrounded by dense forests, steep terrain, and increasingly dry vegetation after years of drought, insect-killed trees, and hotter summers. With limited evacuation routes in many neighborhoods, even a single fast-moving wildfire can quickly become a serious threat to residents and first responders. As wildfire seasons continue to intensify across the West, it’s reasonable to ask: is Aspen truly prepared and more importantly, is it safe?

We heard it would take 14 hours to evacuate because there’s only one true way out. The smokey skies are freaking me out…. Thoughts friends?

Hello folks,

My family is having trouble finding lodging (thats not $$&$) in Aspen for four of us who will be visiting my kid while she is at the Aspen Music Festival…so we’re looking in Snowmass.

Does anyone know which are the newer condo developments there? And which part of Snowmass we should stay in (such as near base village)? We will be driving there so we need parking. Whenever we see our kid we’ll probably take the shuttle instead of trying to park in Aspen.

Does anyone know how I can get these or does anyone have any of the extra discount passes they are willing to share? We are going next week with my large family and it gets pretty steep for
a large group. Thanks!

Hey everyone!

I know this is a long shot, but I figured I'd ask. I have an interview for a seasonal position at the Aspen Art Museum, and I'm having a really hard time finding affordable temporary housing for July through August.

I'm 24 years old and an art curator from Southern California. I'm clean, respectful, quiet, and would be out working most days. I just need a couch, spare room, or anywhere I could stay for about a month while I get settled.

I'm happy to contribute toward rent and utilities, help around the house, cook, clean, or whatever would make the arrangement fair.

If you or someone you know has a place or might be willing to help, I'd be incredibly grateful. Please feel free to reach out. Thanks so much!

Title says it all

My list: Zipfits and …

By any chance does anyone have summer gondola tickets they’re fine parting with? I just need two. Willing to pay some but $40 per ticket is too much for me at the moment.